If Rejected for I/O PhD: Stay for 5th Year in Undergrad? OR Master's?

[CompulsiveEmailRefreshing]

Former lurking I/O applicant finally posting! I applied to 9 I/O Ph.D. programs. NONE of them are on Top 20 lists or whatever, BUT I am getting antsy not having Plan B, C, D, etc. nailed down. 

 

In the situation that I am rejected across the board, do I stay a 5th year at my undergrad institution, padding my GPA and doing research? OR do I go for a funded-ish Master's? My concern is that I will be pigeon-holed in an applied-centric program and regret taking classes I will ultimately not be able to transfer. I understand experience can't hurt, i.e. research in a master's program is not a waste of time, but...

 

In the long run, I want to experience consulting and ultimately be able to hold professorship so I want to be in a Ph.D. program to keep my options as open as possible.

 

Does this make sense? Is it just me?   

 

Thanks, y'all 

 

 

[CleverUsername15]

Do a Master's in I/O. Go work for a few years in industry. Re apply for PhD programs.

[suzieq]

My master's (which involved equal parts coursework and research) did a much better job of preparing me for the application process and demands of a PhD than my undergraduate courses/research. If you can find a master's that will give you the right kind of exposure to classes and research, I think that would be more beneficial because it would add something truly new to your CV.

[WaitingForAnswers]

I understand where you're coming from! I'm in the same boat!